America 250

The Big Boy No. 4014 is the world's largest operating steam locomotive. It's 133 feet long, approximately the length of three school buses end-to-end, and is hauling a set of cars with "America 250" displayed on the sides behind it.

Central Illinois photographer and filmmaker Jason Lindsey compiled images of American flags around the country beginning about 15 years ago. The country's semiquincentennial provided inspiration to present them as a way to urge reflection on America's promises.

"America's Band" is coming to Bloomington for a concert celebrating 250 years of America and 60 years of their iconic album Pet Sounds.

Community leaders, students, veterans, Scouts, clergy, educators and others from across Central Illinois participated in Wednesday's reading of the Declaration of Independence in Normal, part of a nationwide series of events to commemorate America 250.

A 300-drone light show is coming to the Interstate Center in Bloomington, as a way to kick off America 250 celebrations. The show will be held at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 2.

As the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a Lincoln scholar from Bloomington-Normal is saying Abraham Lincoln relied on the Declaration all his life.

McLean County and Central Illinois are gearing up for America 250 with a bunch of events, everything from a community drone show on July 2 to readings of the Declaration of Independence at Connie Link Amphitheater in Normal and in Downtown Bloomington. It's not the first national anniversary involving a big celebration. Let’s go back 50 years to hear what they did for the nation’s Bicentennial.

The show at the Interstate Center will involve 300 drones and include animation elements, custom audio and synchronization provided by Firefly Services.

The program, focusing on the phrase “Life and Liberty,” was at the McLean County Museum of History and is part of the Democracy Dialogues series of public discussions this year, marking the museum’s celebration of America 250.